1 Purpose Statement: The Savannah Baptist Association exists to encourage fellowship and cooperation among the churches; under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, it seeks to establish, strengthen, train, and work with the churches as they fulfill their mission in their unique setting. Theme: Serving and Honoring God Together
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Transcript
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Purpose Statement:
The Savannah Baptist Association exists to encourage fellowship and cooperation among the churches; under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, it seeks to
establish, strengthen, train, and work with the churches as they fulfill their mission in their unique
Church Directory Savannah Baptist Association ..................................................................................................................... 4
Ministry Team Nominations for 2018-2019 ........................................................................................................................... 7
Standing Committees or Ministry Entities .............................................................................................................................. 8
Savannah Association Annual Budget 2019 ............................................................................................................................ 9
Savannah Baptist Association Missionary ............................................................................................................................. 11
Savannah Baptist Center ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Women’s Missionary Union .................................................................................................................................................. 19
6:45 Pre-Session Music The CrossRoad Baptist Donna Davis Jackson
7:00 Call to Order Rev. Billy Miller Moderator
7:02 Music The CrossRoad Baptist Donna Davis Jackson
7:10 Welcome, Scripture, and Prayer Dr. Johnny Bowen The CrossRoad Baptist
7:20 Enrollment of Messengers Connie Martin Clerk
7:23
Associational Misc. Business
Rev. Buddy Wasson Rev. Quillian Mercer Rev. Rev. Billy Miller Rev. Billy Miller Rev. Billy Miller Rev. Buddy Wasson
Recognition of New Pastors & Staff Recommendation from Mission Church Start Team Recommendation from Administration Team Nomination Committee 2019 Budget Introduction of Speaker
7:50 Special Music
The CrossRoad Baptist
Donna Davis Jackson
7:55 Inspirational Speaker Dr. Johnny Bowen The CrossRoad Baptist
8:25 Installation of Officers Rev. Buddy Wasson Associational Missionary
Associational Missionary is ex-officio member of all teams and leads the Administration Team
Administrative Team
Associational Missionary Rev, Buddy Wasson
Moderator Rev. Jesse Pamplona, International Bible Christian Fellowship
Moderator-Elect Dr. Johnny Bowen, The CrossRoad Baptist Church
Clerk Connie Martin, FBC Rincon
Assistant Clerk Janet Bell, FBC of the Islands
Treasurer Stephen Bell, FBC of the Islands
Assistant Treasurer Rev. Stan Stones, The CrossRoad Baptist Church
GBC Executive Committee Representative Rev. Quillian Mercer, North Salem Baptist Church
Associational Missions Team Rev. Quillian Mercer, North Salem Baptist Church
Dr. Darrell Bailey, Meldrim Baptist Church
Personnel Team
Moderator Rev. Jesse Pamplona, International Bible Christian Fellowship
Moderator-Elect Dr. Johnny Bowen, The CrossRoad Baptist Church
Treasurer Stephen Bell, FBC of the Islands
Assistant Treasurer
Associational Missions Team
Rev. Stan Stones, The CrossRoad Baptist Church
Vacation Bible School and Children’s Director Dr. Bill Gammon, RBC Rincon
World Changers Coordinator Rev. Tony Branham, Baptist Collegiate Minister
WMU Director Susan Bragg, Bull Street Baptist Church
Disaster Relief Director David Osborne, Immanuel Baptist Church
Missions/Church Start Director Rev. Quillian Mercer , North Salem Baptist Church
Evangelism Director
Associational Prayer Coordinator Dr. Darrell Bailey, Meldrim Baptist Church
College Ministry Director Rev. Tony Branham, Baptist Collegiate Minister
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Standing Committees or Ministry Entities
Assembly Committee 2019 Grant Washington, S. Newington 2019 Erik Palmberg, N. Providence 2019 Terry Mulvehill, N. Providence 2020 Kevin Carter, FBC Rincon 2020 Donnie Martin, FBC Rincon 2020 Rhonda Stones, The CrossRoad 2021 Deborah Boerger, Calvary 2021 Dusty Reynolds, Sycamore 2021
Ex-Officio Moderator – Rev. Jesse Pamplona, International Bible Christian Fellowship Vice Moderator—Dr. Johnny Bowen, The CrossRoad Associational Missionary – Rev. Buddy Wasson
Seafarers Committee
Rev. Everett Tumblin, Bull Street Rev. Joseph Wong, Ardsley Park Chinese Roy Lee, New Providence
Baptist Center Committee (Trustees) 2019 Stephen McAliley, The Church at Godley Station 2019 Stan Stones, The CrossRoad 2019 Teresa Green, Southside 2020 Linda Macmillan, Higher Ground 2020 Pat Osborne , Immanuel 2020 Gary Lewis, FBC Rincon 2020 Debra Johnson, Woodlawn 2020 DeeDee Linton, FBC Garden City 2021 Andy Vaught, Higher Ground 2021 Susan Bragg, Bull Street 2021 Polly Stewart, FBC of the Islands 2021 Sybil Nease, Meldrim 2021 Jean Hood, The CrossRoad 2021 Jenine Price, Skidaway Island 2021 Steve Britton, FBC Garden City
Ex-Officio Moderator – Rev. Jesse Pamplona, International Bible Christian Fellowship Vice Moderator - Dr. Johnny Bowen, The CrossRoad Associational Missionary – Rev. Buddy Wasson Director Savannah Baptist Center – Stephanie Carr
Collegiate Ministry Team 2020 Rev. Todd Wiechmann 2020 Brenda Robinson 2021 Rev. Jon Humphreys 2021 Rev. Quillian Mercer 2022 Rev. Jon Tillman 2022 Dorcus Branham
The following are Associational Committees and will be appointed by the Associational Administrative Team, as needed:
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8 (ESV)
1. Ministry to seafarers that witnesses to the truth, love and power of Jesus to save all who repent and trust
in Him as God’s Savior from the deception, denial and destruction of sin: our mission to seafarers.
Witnessing to the hundreds of seafarers who come to the port of Savannah in various terminals week by
week is fast-paced at times, slow in moments and always surrounded with security regulations and
procedures. This year the mission was carried out over 146 days/1291 hours of direct ministry. Boarding
some 27 ships, distributing tracts and Bibles in many languages, I transported 1,060 seafarers on 145
shopping trips, driving 8,751 miles. Your support in prayer, donations of ditty bags and financially made
this possible.
2. Long-time lead Chaplain Bill Maxey of International Seamen’s House retired this year, moving to
Tennessee. Also, Fr. Richard Young of Catholic Diocese of Savannah retired this year. Both faced
age/health issues that severely limited their ministry duties. Consequently, those who remain active have
been busy as ships grow in number and size. Each vessel carries some 25 seafarers, most of whom are able
to depart their ships briefly, and almost all wanting to do so in this port, regarding us as friendly and safe.
Filipino, Indian and Chinese nationalities form the bulk of crews, with others from nations around the
globe.
3. Two Chinese seamen stand out this year. Cen came to our facility in January, a crewman of the container
ship ZIM ALABAMA. He practiced his English with me as we ate snacks, played pool and then said he
wanted a zippo lighter, so we went in search and he found several, which apparently are for parents,
uncles and grandparents. He was delighted and when we came back to our facility inside Garden City
Container Terminal, he located a New Testament in Chinese. He asked me to autograph it and took his
picture with me. He also contacted his parents in central China via his smart phone, and they greeted me
with big smiles. When he looked at his new Bible he was puzzled by my inscription Galatians 2:20 below
my name, so I located it in Chinese and he read it. I gave further testimony of my faith and he was
interested in what I had to say. I took him back to his ship and then, in early summer, he called me from
China and we spoke. I encouraged him to read his Bible and locate a Christian in his village. I may not see
him again, but then again, I may, probably on another ship… And last month I met Ma, a Chinese crewman
whom I took shopping with seven Sri Lankan shipmates. He said to me in halting English, “First time in
America”, and smiled. After the shopping trip, I offered him a copy of the Gospel of John, labeled “Living
Water”. He took it gladly, unlike his shipmates. He thanked me and I said, “You can practice your English
with this book.” God’s Word goes forth and will not return void.
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Savannah Baptist Assembly
Rev. Tommy Duke, Director
Greetings Savannah Baptist Association Members,
Grace and peace to you from the beautiful grounds of the Savannah Baptist Assembly on Honey Ridge Road in
Effingham County. My family and I are excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Director of this
ministry, and in turn, serve you and your church.
The Savannah Baptist Assembly is dedicated to the Glory of God for the purposes of building Christian
character and helping individuals find and rightly respond to God’s will for their lives. Its secluded setting has
provided an environment for rest, recreation, retreat, and renewal since 1967, serving over 100,000 guests
and seeing over 440 people make a profession of faith in Christ on these grounds.
More recently, thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, we are finishing up a series of considerable
renovations and upgrades (many of which were prompted by storm damage). As such, your next visit will find
metal roofs and vinyl siding on most of our buildings, a dramatically refreshed Tabernacle, four brand-new
sleeping cabins with connected bath houses, and high-speed internet availability in all meeting facilities.
As thankful as I have been to learn more about what God has been doing at the Assembly over the past 50+
years, I look forward with anticipation to what the future will hold. In today’s “always-on, social media” world,
the quiet places of reflection are more vital than ever, and the Assembly is uniquely positioned to provide such
a place.
To that end, I’d like to personally invite you and your church to come out and be a part of this unique ministry
by taking advantage of any (or all) of these four opportunities:
PRAY – Please pray that we will cooperate with God to become the location of choice for our churches
and their members to push away, experience His creation, and find a renewed relationship with Christ.
COME – The Assembly is a ministry and asset of our association and our desire is to make the best and
highest use of it for God’s glory. To that end, I hope you’ll consider us your first option for: fellowship
events, camps, retreats, gatherings and whatever else the Lord leads you to plan. Not sure what’s
available at the Savannah Baptist Assembly or if we can accommodate you? Contact me to schedule a
SERVE – As you might imagine, with a 50-year old retreat center there are countless opportunities for
you and your congregation to volunteer to serve. We’re currently looking for some “Friends of the
Assembly” to lend a hand with upkeep, repairs and upgrades. Let me know if you’d like to come out
and we’ll have projects lined up and ready for you and/or your group.
GIVE – The Savannah Baptist Assembly is a ministry of your Savannah Baptist Association. Therefore,
your regular and robust giving to support all the ministries of the association is the first and best way
for you to financially support this ministry. That said, if your church (or individuals therein) is interested
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in giving specifically to the Assembly, over and above your associational giving, please contact me or
the associational office.
Thanks for the opportunity to serve you, your church, our association and the Lord through this unique and
rewarding ministry. While I firmly and passionately believe that we have a mandate to do our part to advance
God’s Kingdom, it is spaces of retreat (like the Savannah Baptist Assembly) that allow us as followers of Christ
to find the rest, recreation, reflection, and renewal in Him to press on toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
I look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to the Savannah Baptist Assembly.
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VBS Report 2018
Dr. Bill Gammon Association VBS Director
Reporting churches:
Game On has been a huge success all over the country. Many churches, new churches, church starts, etc. have
used this VBS to reach hundreds of kids and families. Thank you to FBC Richmond Hill for hosting the VBS
Regional this past spring. We look forward to the 2019 VBS theme: In the Wild.
Church Enrollment
Baptist Church at Ebenezer 96 Bull Street 181 Corinth 69 Cross Road Baptist 55 Dean Forest 45 Faulkville 12 FBC Bloomingdale 60 FBC Garden City 160 FBC Richmond Hill 485 FBC Rincon 720 Higher Ground Life Church 118 Morning Star 94 New Providence 135 North Salem 226 Powers 93 Silk Hope 167 South Newington 193 Windsor Forest 66 Woodlawn
Decisions for Christ total: 62
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Women’s Missionary Union
2017-2018 Savannah Baptist Association Leadership Team
WMU Director Susan Bragg 25 Palmetto Bay Road Savannah, GA 31410
The meeting started with music provided by Higher Ground Baptist Church.
Rev. Andy Vaught, pastor of Higher Ground Baptist Church, welcomed everyone and led in prayer.
Rev. Darrell Bailey, the Associational Prayer Coordinator, read scripture and had prayer.
Rev. Billy Miller called the meeting to order.
Tommy Pirtle reported that there were 9 churches, 14 members, 13 guests, and 10 staff members present.
The minutes from the last meeting did not get printed so we will read them at the next meeting.
Reports from Savannah Baptist Ministries:
Rev. Buddy Wasson
There are no new pastors or staff members. Rev. Rick Flowers was in an accident and crushed his pelvis. He is in good
spirits and the surgery went well. He is looking at a long recovery.
Francisco Rodriquez fell off of a roof and broke his leg, hips, some ribs and his sternum. He is healing well and back to
preaching.
Please be in prayer. Within the next 10 years, associations may be obsolete. Our giving and attendance has gone down.
This is also true for the individual churches. Across Georgia, churches are giving 5% or less to the cooperative program.
We have 66 churches in our association. One church is asking to join and a mission church may come into association as
a church. Twelve churches have not given anything in the last 5 years, twelve give less than $1000 yearly, and twelve
give between $1000 and $2000 yearly. Our ministry supports the Seafarer’s Ministry, the Savannah Baptist Center, BCM,
and the Assembly. See my article in the newsletter. We need to pray. We have started having only prayer at our
preacher’s conferences, instead of having someone preach. We will do that for a while and build relationships. Along
with giving, participation is down. I love associational work. I believe associations are necessary. They work and are
good. It is my hope and prayer that we will not become one of the statistics of the last five years. We are trying to
change that so it won’t go in that direction. Some other associations are starting to meet on Sunday night instead of a
week night and attendance is increasing. That is something to pray and think about. We want to touch more people and
have them informed about the association. We have enough financial resources to cover us for the next 3 or 4 years if
things stay the same as they are now. We are very frugal. We have a sweet spirit of fellowship in our pastor’s meeting
and encourage pastors to come to them. Please make the association a point of prayer that God would be honored in all
that we say and do.
Stephanie Carr –Savannah Baptist Center Director
We have done 14,000 services in the last year. We started tracking our volunteer hours and have had 5,000 in the past
year. Praise the Lord for that. We have some partnerships with people in the area. Hitch Village used to be next door.
People are now moving in to the new apartments and we are making connections with them. We had a Community
Thanksgiving Dinner, collaborating with the Savannah Baptist Center Church, a construction company working nearby,
and Shellman’s Bluff Church. We came together and planned it within two weeks. We had the Community Christmas
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Dinner as in the past. Our newest thing is working with the JC Lewis Health Center and the Homeless Authority to
provide a medical clinic at the center in a room that had been sitting empty. Our homeless ladies are volunteering to
help. We are the only ones in the whole city doing two days a week. I reported in September that we were expanding
our ministries. We are focusing on prayer. We added a new day for Bible Study. We have added quilting to the sewing
class and the Men’s Bible Study is now meeting weekly. We expanded and grew and now we are taking what’s in place
and going deeper. When we care about each other, it comes out in a beautiful spirit of unity. We are continuing all of
our activities throughout the summer. We have an outline of mission opportunities at the center to give you an idea of
how you can help. We have some here or I can email you a copy. We have a volunteer meeting this Thursday at 10:00
and you are welcome to join us. Thank you for helping and praying for and with us and it is a joy to be with you tonight.
Rev. Everett Tumblin – Seafarer’s Ministry Director
This is my 13th year at SBA. Isle of Hope brought me some ditty bags this afternoon. I gave out approximately 250 of
these during Christmas. I had a Chinese man come in and I spoke to his parents in China over the phone. I gave him a
Chinese Bible. He was going to take it back home, read it, and share it with his mother and father in China. Thank you for
your support with prayer and things like these ditty bags. God’s work is the work of grace. Praise to Him.
Tony Branham
We are trying to help students grow up in the Lord. Churches gave us bags made by Mission Friends and a lot of hot
chocolate so we will give some to the Center. We will feed between 350 and 400 people in March. We partner with
churches, doing it together. Eight groups meet each week and we had 20 students last night. We have a weekly
emphasis doing table talks. Monday we will do the “Great Exchange”. We will be doing surveys and people usually come
to know Jesus when we do this. Save the date for the Dessert Theater on November 8-10 and World Changers June 11-
16. I will send you a volunteer list. We always need people to help feed the World Changers. Churches can be a ministry
site. We want to do a better job of follow-up. There are a lot more opportunities this year. We are trying to recruit more
local people. Thank you for all gifts, lunches, and prayers. I am thankful that you support me through the cooperative
program. This is my 32nd year working with college students. The Georgia Baptist Mission Board emphasis is reaching the
next generation. We need to reach the young people. GBMB has a Website to help churches start a program. I am here
to help you too. We are all about people coming to know Jesus.
Rev. Buddy Wasson – Old Business
I will combine information about the Assembly with old business. We have suspended all ministries at the Assembly to
get things back up and running properly. We have decided to put bathrooms in each cabin so you won’t have to go out
in the middle of the night. We have about $32, 000 from the insurance to complete this project. We can’t do it with that
amount of money without volunteer labor. We have Baptist Builders who are willing to do the building part. Gap
ministry will help Sonny Underwood with plumbing and putting the forms up. We also have set aside money for the
tabernacle. We have a mission team from New Sunbury- Altamaha Association coming to put the roof on with a discount
on the metal. They will also help with the siding and do it in one day in March at cost. We are planning on putting a
metal roof on cabin 5 and the lodge. Mr. Henderson liked our old tractor and may trade metal and labor for the lodge
for the tractor. He later decided to add vinyl to the lodge and cabin 5 to the deal. Gap Ministries will put siding on the
tabernacle, fill cracks in the floor, put down carpet squares, and paint the interior. Donnie Martin & Kevin Carter are out
there almost every day. They found underground valves and the septic tank. The tops of the septic tanks are broken. We
will have them pumped out and have new tops put on.
We are looking for new director. We have 7 or 8 resumes. The personnel committee is working on it. The applicants
don’t always understand what the job is. They will be facility director, not campus pastor. They have to understand that
they must live in the apartment.
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I want to also give an update on the audit. A lady was recommended by GBMB, lives locally, and is giving us a discount.
We hope to hear from her by the spring meeting.
Rev. Billy Miller reiterated that World Changers food providers stay with the group during lunch.
New business – Rev. Buddy Wasson
According to Constitution and bylaws, the moderator has to select a nominating committee for the upcoming year and
have a slate to be presented at the spring meeting. We don’t ever have a full slate but that’s ok. Rev. Billy Miller has
selected Rev. Jesse Pamplona and Rev. Marco George and they agreed to be on nominating committee. I will meet with
them. We have a lot of ministry positions that are no longer needed. We will be looking at honing this down a little bit.
We can provide training through GBMB without having a person in this position. We want ministries that work and
flourish. We want you to pray about these positions. We will have a job description for each job.
We are fortunate as an association. I meet with others every month and we have so much ministry, compared to what
others have. If the association becomes obsolete, everything suffers. With that in mind, we need to be praying, giving,
and participating. Getting people to volunteer is not easy. If we are not supported, it is tough. We need you to be a part
of everything we do. As we continue thinking of going to Sunday night meeting instead of Tuesday, we will be praying
for wisdom.
Rev. Buddy Wasson dismissed in prayer.
Refreshments were served by Higher Ground Baptist Church.
Respectfully submitted, Connie Martin Assistant Clerk Savannah Baptist Association
Annual Spring Meeting Sand Hill Baptist Church
March 20, 2018
The moderator of Savannah Baptist Association, Rev. Billy Miller, called the meeting to order.
Music was provided by the Sand Hill Choir.
Rev. David Feldkamp welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Dr. Darrell Bailey read scripture and led in prayer.
Tommy Pirtle, clerk of Savannah Baptist Association, presented the numbers - 12 churches, 24 messengers, 17 guests,
and 5 staff members.
Rev. Buddy Wasson, Associational Missionary of Savannah Baptist Association, recognized David Norris as the new
Associate Pastor at Meldrim.
Rev. Miller announced that Dr. Johnny Bowen could not be here and that Rev. Buddy Wasson would be explaining some
changes with the Nominating Committee.
Rev. Wasson reminded everyone that we had mentioned at the last meeting that we were praying about changes to the
way that we conduct business for the Association. Most associations do not have 4 meetings a year. They have gone
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down to 2 meetings. We want to discuss the possibility of taking 4 meetings a year down to 2. We are recommending
eliminating the January & September Executive Committee Meetings and changing the Spring Meeting in March to an
Executive Committee Meeting and keeping the Fall Meeting as it is. The dates may change to Sunday evenings. Almost
50% of our churches do not have Sunday night meetings. There are more people on Sunday nights at other associations
who have changed. We would have to change the amendments so we will send out letters in July, discuss this at the
September Executive Committee Meeting, and vote at the Annual Fall Meeting in October. That is the only time we can
change our Constitution and By-Laws.
We are also recommending streamlining ministries of association. The Sunday School/Small Group Director, the
Discipleship Development Director, the Church Music Director, the Senior Adult Director, the Men’s Ministry Director,
and the Interfaith Witness Director positions will be eliminated. All of the other positions will be under one team named
the Associational Mission Team. We will not take away events, just streamline them. We can handle them in-house. We
will vote on this at the October meeting. Pray about this and let us know if you have questions. Most associations are
going to this format right now.
Rev. Buddy Wasson introduced the Inspirational Speaker, Rev. Samuel Rodriquez of Hispanic First Baptist Church. He
said he has really come to love him as a sweet brother in Christ. He is a doer. We have been bringing in our associational
pastors to preach at our meetings so that we can get to know each other.
The Sand Hill Choir Director led the congregation in “Victory in Jesus.”
Rev. Samuel Rodriquez gave the inspirational message. He has a CD and wanted to sing but the sound system was not
working so he couldn’t. Samuel told of his childhood in Mexico and his journey in the ministry. He showed slides of his
family, his different churches, and his mission work. He said he is Mexican by birth, American by decision, and, most
important, a Christian by the grace of God. He is proud to be a Christian. He told of the history of the Hispanic First
Baptist Church and where they are today. He emphasized that we should stop fighting and work together and see new
people as opportunities instead of problems.
After Rev. Rodriquez spoke, several people shared how something that he said touched their hearts.
Rev. Buddy Wasson closed in prayer and refreshments were furnished by Sand Hill Church.
Submitted by, Connie Martin Assistant Clerk Savannah Baptist Association
Called Executive Committee Meeting
August 16, 2018
Savannah Baptist Center
For the Purpose of Voting on a Candidate for Assembly Director
The meeting opened with prayer by Billy Miller.
Rev. Buddy Wasson called the meeting to order. The purpose of this called Executive Committee Meeting is to review
and vote on a candidate for the Director of the Savannah Baptist Assembly. Tommy Duke will speak, we will have a
question and answer period, and then we will vote. Rev. Wasson talked through the process of selecting the director.
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After James Cannon resigned in September, we started the process of praying about what to do and we got together
with the personnel committee of the Association. The personnel committee is basically the leadership of the
Administration team. We also added Donnie Martin and Rhonda Stones, since they both are on the Assembly
Committee and Donnie is the chairman. We advertised in the Christian Index and sent out emails within a 2 hour
circumference of the association area asking for resumes, closing out at the end of January. We received 13 resumes and
honed them down to 5. Tommy’s name rose to the top. We spoke to him about it and the committee met with him.
After that we set aside time for prayer. We did not want to rush. Everyone affirmed in writing that they thought he was
the man for the job. We also kept the other candidates informed where they were on the list because we did not want
to leave them hanging. We all, including Tommy and his wife, Amber, prayed about it to be sure that he was God’s man
for the job. We scheduled a Meet and Greet for Aug 2. There were 12 people here that night. As a matter of
information, a quorum for any meeting for SBA is whoever is here. Some questions were brought up at that meeting and
Rev. Wasson called Tommy Duke up to share with the group to discuss those issues again.
Tommy told about himself. His father was the pastor of Cresthill Baptist Church in the early 90s. He lived here from the
time he was 13 until his mid-twenties. God called him into vocational ministry at South Effingham Community Church,
which is now called One Savior. His father was the church planter for that church. His first opportunity in the ministry
was being on staff there as a Student Pastor. After a couple of years, he planted churches in Pittsburgh for several years
and then in South Florida. He and Amber have two boys. While in Florida, Tommy started having chronic migraines so
they moved to Alabama to be near family. That is when he started a ministry training pastors and church planters. One
client was Kenny Grant and he invited Tommy to work at Calvary. He served there a year and a half. That job ended at
the end of last year because of his health issues. Tommy started seeing a doctor who helped him and he has not been
sick since January. He still serves pastors and ministers. Buddy Wasson shared with him that there was a need for a
director at the Assembly. Tommy was not interested at first but said that he would pray about it. He and his wife had
both spent a lot of time out there as teenagers. The Assembly impacted their lives. The more they prayed, the more they
felt that God wanted them there.
Questions: Will you be full time? Answer: We will live out there and I will travel some, once a month, but my wife will be
there when I am not.
Rev. Buddy Wasson specified that Tommy will be gone 3 to 4 days a month. He now has help and does not have to be
gone all of the time. He could also bring some seminars in. There are people calling all of the time to make reservations.
We will put together a presentation about what we have done at the Assembly. If you have photographs of time past,
we would appreciate it if you would let us use them. In addition to Tommy, Donnie Martin and Kevin Carter will be out
there when needed. It is hard for a man to support a family on this salary. His ministry could also help us. It could
become a partnership in ministry.
A vote was taken by secret ballot. The yes vote was unanimous. The job starts now. Tommy Duke was asked if he would
accept. He agreed and Rev. Buddy Wasson welcomed him into the Association as the Director of Savannah Baptist
Assembly.
Everyone laid hands on Tommy as the meeting was closed in prayer.
Submitted by
Connie Martin
Assistant Clerk
Savannah Baptist Association
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Executive Committee Meeting August 25, 2018
Chapel by the Sea
The Executive Committee Meeting was started with congregational singing led by June Maddox, Media Director of
Chapel by the Sea. Ms. Maddox also sang a beautiful solo.
Dr. David Laughner, Pastor of Chapel by the Sea, welcomed everyone.
Rev. Darrell Bailey, Associational Prayer Coordinator, read from the book of 1st John and led in prayer.
The meeting was called to order by Rev. Jesse Pamplona. Rev. Pamplona is the Vice-Moderator and is serving for the
Moderator, Rev. Billy Miller, who could not attend.
Connie Martin, Savannah Baptist Association Clerk, reported the number of churches and members. There were 11
churches with 14 members, 14 guests, and 9 staff members.
Rev. Pamplona presented the minutes from the Spring Meeting and the called Executive Committee Meeting to elect
the Assembly Director, Rev. Tommy Duke. The minutes were approved.
Savannah Baptist Association Ministry Reports
Rev. Buddy Wasson, Associational Missionary
Rev. Wasson welcomed the new ministers who have come aboard since the last meeting. These listed were Rev. Chad
Vanderburg at Faulkville Baptist, Rev. Randall Jeffers at Faulkville Baptist, Rev. Tim Addy as Worship Pastor at FBC
Pooler, Rev. Paul Mongin as Pastor of FBC Pt. Wentworth, Dr. Lane Sanders is Pastor at Immanuel Baptist, and Rev. Ben
Canfield at One Savior Church, replacing his brother, Steven Canfield.
We only have 6 churches without pastors at this time. These are Christ’s Community, Delesseps, FBC Ellabell, Victory,
Savannah Baptist Center Church, and Southside Hispanic. We will be bringing in another church at fall meeting, Trinity
Baptist. They have met all of the requirements. Bill Bozeman is the pastor.
We also have items available for all churches to use. These items are a snowball machine, a popcorn machine, a large
grill, two canopy tents, and a generator.
The Pastor’s Conference meetings on Mondays are now called Ministers’ Meetings and are open to all church staff. We
will be using a variety of programs, such as a season of prayer, open discussion on different topics, and WOW factors for
each person. These meetings are held on Mondays at 11:00. October 1st Dr. Keith Niger, who oversees the Barnabus
Counseling Center, will be the speaker. On October 15th, Dr. David Drake, from Truett- McConnell, Dailey Waters retreat
center for pastors and families, will speak. On Oct. 29th,, Jeff Wren from Billy Graham associations will tell us about a
major evangelist event. They want to help us bring in evangelism events. Things are well in the Association.
Stephanie Carr-Savannah Baptist Center
Stephanie introduced Olivia Carr as new Volunteer Coordinator. She was a summer missionary for two years before this
and has volunteered a lot. You can reach out to her about any events. To review my last report, we talked about added
ministries, the new bible study, the sewing class, health care for women and we are now adding men. Our ministries
continued meeting during the summer. Our building is large enough to keep having them during VBS and mission teams.
The people from the mission teams went to sewing classes and bible studies. They were doing missions with us instead
of for us. Everybody had something to offer. We are building relationships. That is unique to the Baptist Center. We are
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all growing together. She shared a letter written by someone who works as volunteer and has a job with the church and
the center. She is homeless but trying to get out of that situation. She volunteered in 2017 and helped with the oasis and
feeding people. In March of 2018, she started helping with Sunday Morning Breakfast. In May of 2018, she was baptized.
She is faithful to be there every Sunday. At the end of June, she was employed by the Baptist Center to work two days a
week as janitor. In July, she was voted in as church clerk of Savannah Baptist Center Church. God gave her what she
needed to do. She helped train mission teams. They were surprised that they were working alongside one of the
homeless. She now feels part of a family. Thank you for the encouragement you give.
Rev. Tommy Duke-Director of Savannah Baptist Assembly
Rev. Duke explained that he has a process going on to figure out how we can serve you. We have been limited for
groups because of storm damage. A lot has been completed and we are working to get done. Four new cabins have been
completed and we are working on the bathhouses. In the meantime, the Assembly is up and running. We have capacity
for about 50 people to stay overnight. It is exciting. Since 1967, we have provided the resources for 100 thousand guests
to be served. Over 440 people have accepted Christ on the grounds of the Assembly over the years. God has brought us
to this place and the best is yet to come. Come tour and find out what we are all about. Most of my ministry has been
about one side of Godly tension. He puts us in tension between two truths. We can’t be all about one thing without
another. One tension is that we all are pursuing the great commission. The other tension is that Jesus tells us to pull
away and reconnect. We have to rest and refresh. That is the ministry of the Savannah Baptist Assembly.
Rev. Everett Tumblin-Director of the Seamen’s Ministry
Rev. Tumblin discussed things that are required for the job. God has sent me to gather up the nations that come into
Savannah. Ships come and go. There may be 100 in a week. I meet them in the name and power of the spirt of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Rev. Tony Branham-BCM Director
Rev. Branham reported that we are still doing the same work since the merger at Armstrong. We are hoping to do some
progressive dinners in the spring. Churches can get to know the students. We just went to Confluence. It’s awesome. It
was about how to share your faith. Some students decided to be bolder in their witness and have started leading bible
studies and being baptized. We have already raised most of the money for summer missions. On Oct. 10, we will have
the weekly lunch program out to campus. Oct. 9th is the Great Exchange. Dessert Theater will be soon. The title is
“Pancake Special” and it is written by a student. We can’t do the things we do without your partnership. Thank you.
Old Business
Rev. Wasson reported on the changes to be discussed in the Constitution and By-Laws. We are ministering a lot. Most
associations do not have the ministries that we have. Two recommendations will be voted on at the fall meeting.
1) Streamline our meetings down to two meetings a year. The executive committee meeting will be in March and the
fall meeting in October. We also recommend moving from Tuesday to Sunday. Tonight we will open up for discussion.
Rev. Gary Johnson asked how many churches do not have Sunday night services. “I think that it’s a great idea but my
church needs more education for me to be able to attend.” Rev. Q Mercer commented that he thought Sunday night
may be easier than Tuesday for attendance. Host church congregations may be more likely to be there. Susan Bragg
asked about the location of meetings. Buddy explained that we try to move from region to region so that it will be
convenient to everyone.
2) The Nominating Committee is recommending that we streamline the different missions of the association and
combine some teams. We will not be eliminating ministries. We can do all of this in-house instead of having a director
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as a name on a piece of paper that does not have a job to do. It does not have to be voted on. The administration team
can make the decision.
Rev. Pamplona shared the recommendations from the nominating committee. These nominations include Johnny
Bowen as vice moderator and Stan Stones as Assistant Treasurer. We still do not have a full slate because we will be
voting on making the list smaller in October at the Annual Fall Meeting. There were no nominations from the floor. Rev.
Mercer wanted to know when the changes would take effect. Buddy answered that they would take place in January.
Rev. Wasson reported on the audit. We have never had an audit. We need to know if we are doing something incorrect.
It is to protect Connie, the association, and me. Kimberly Moore audited and only charged $3500. We are excellent.
There were only a few recommendations to change things. Some suggestions are not plausible for us to do. Overall, we
just need to fix a few bookkeeping entries. Stephen Bell and Connie do an excellent job.
Buddy presented the budget. We were able to reduce our budget by about 6 thousand dollars. He pointed out the line
items that will be reduced or increased. If you have questions meet with the finance committee but we will have a
discussion at the fall meeting if needed. Question- does the budget ever equal receipts. Actually the budget is usually
higher than receipts. We stay above by being frugal and watch our spending. Question -Have the percentages changed
for the Center and BCM. No, percentages are same; the total fluctuates by the giving amount.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Buddy Wasson.
Refreshments were served by Chapel by the Sea.
Respectfully Submitted, Connie Martin Clerk, Savannah Baptist Association
CONSTITUTION OF THE SAVANNAH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
PREAMBLE
The Savannah Baptist Association is a cooperative ministry of autonomous Southern Baptist Churches in the
Greater Coastal Empire area of Georgia. Our core values are: service to churches, leadership development in the
churches, mission and evangelism opportunities for the churches, and unity among the churches. Our mission statement
is: The Savannah Baptist Association will promote excellence in ministry and missions to help churches become healthy
and multiplying bodies of Christ.
ARTICLE I - NAME
This body shall be known as “SAVANNAH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, INC.” as specified in the charter and shall
hereinafter be referred to as THE ASSOCIATION.
Article II - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: COMPOSITION: THE ASSOCIATION shall be composed of Baptist churches that are in cooperation with
the program of THE ASSOCIATION, and with its Faith and Message as set forth in the charter thereof and in Article VIII
hereof. All churches represented in the membership of THE ASSOCIATION shall be entitled to enroll messengers at all
sessions of THE ASSOCIATION without further action of THE ASSOCIATION.
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Section 2: REPRESENTATION: Every church represented in THE ASSOCIATION shall be entitled to two (2)
messengers and one (1) additional member for every $500 given to the association per year. The total number of
messengers from any one church shall not exceed ten (10) at any session.
Section 3: ADMISSION: Churches desiring to be received into the fellowship of THE ASSOCIATION must have
been constituted at least six (6) months before the Fall Session of THE ASSOCIATION, and must present to the
Missions/Church Start Team sixty (60) days prior to the Fall Session the following credentials: (1) Petitioning letter, (2)
Constitution and By-Laws of the Church, if such exists, and (3) the Articles of Faith of the church or a statement that the
church has adopted the Baptist Faith and Message of 2000. Upon the recommendation of the Missions/Church Start
Team and a majority vote of the messengers present to receive the church, the Moderator shall declare the church
received and its messengers seated.
Section 4: COOPERATION: Cooperating churches of THE ASSOCIATION will support the Baptist Faith and Message
of 2000, send to the clerk an Annual Church Report, send messengers to the Executive Committee meetings and Annual
meetings of THE ASSOCIATION, contribute financially to THE ASSOCIATION, and participate in the missions and ministries
of THE ASSOCIATION.
Section 5: DISMISSAL: Should any church disqualify itself by doctrines contrary to those of THE ASSOCIATION, or
by its failure to financially support THE ASSOCIATION in accordance with its ability to do so, the Executive Committee,
upon failing to reconcile such church, may recommend dismissal. A majority vote in the Fall Session shall be required to
withdraw fellowship from a church. Proper notice of probable action must be given to all churches by THE ASSOCIATION
or the Executive Committee before such action may be taken. If a church desires to withdraw from THE ASSOCIATION, or
cease to exist, it is requested that written notification be given to THE ASSOCIATION.
Section 6: CHURCH PROFILE: Each church represented by members in the membership of THE ASSOCIATION
shall send annually, preferably at the time of the Fall Session but no later than November 1, to the Clerk a church profile
which shall include a report of the activities of the church during the preceding church year.
ARTICLE IV - SESSIONS
Section 1: FALL SESSION: THE ASSOCIATION shall hold a Fall Session on the third Sunday night in the month of
October at a time and place set by the Administration Team.
Section 2: SPECIAL SESSIONS: Special sessions of THE ASSOCIATION may be held at the call of the Administration
Team. The Administration Team shall exercise this prerogative only in case of extreme emergency.
Section 3: NOTICE OF SESSION: A written notice of all sessions of THE ASSOCIATION shall be sent to each church
represented in the membership of THE ASSOCIATION not less than five (5) nor more than (90) days prior to the session.
The notice shall state the time and place of the session, and, in case of special session, the purposes for which called.
Section 4: PROCEDURE: Any officer of THE ASSOCIATION may call a meeting to order and may act as Chairman
thereof, precedence being Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Clerk, and Assistant Clerk. In the absence of all such officers,
the messengers present may elect a Chairman. The Clerk or Assistant Clerk of THE ASSOCIATION shall act as secretary at
all meetings but in their absence the presiding officer may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
ARTICLE V - ASSOCIATIONAL OFFICERS
Section 1: GENERAL OFFICERS: The General Officers of THE ASSOCIATION shall be the Moderator, Moderator-
Elect, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.
Section 2: ORGANIZATIONAL OFFICERS: The organizational officers shall be such team members and
departmental officers THE ASSOCIATION may elect through its nominating committee process.
Section 3: TRUSTEES: The Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Clerk, and Treasurer shall be the Trustees of THE
ASSOCIATION.
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Section 4: ELECTION OF OFFICERS: At the Executive Committee prior to the Spring Meeting, the Moderator shall
appoint a nominating committee of three persons to bring a slate of officers and team leaders at the Spring Meeting.
Other nominations will be accepted from the floor and an election will be held. Installation of all such officers shall be at
the Fall Session. These officers shall serve for the ensuing year and until their successors have been elected and
installed. The Moderator-Elect shall be installed as the Moderator in the year succeeding his election as Moderator
Elect.
Section 5: DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
(A) MODERATOR. It shall be the duty of the Moderator to preside during all meetings of THE ASSOCIATION; to
preside as Chairman of the Executive Committee; preside as Chairman of the Personnel Team; to appoint with
Associational approval any special committees that THE ASSOCIATION or the Executive Committee shall authorize him to
appoint; and to serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
(B) MODERATOR-ELECT. It shall be the duty of the Moderator-Elect to assist the Moderator in his duties and be
ready to assume his responsibilities in any emergency. He shall, in the absence or at the request of the Moderator, do
and perform the duties of the Moderator. The Moderator-Elect shall serve as Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee
and as an ex-officio member of all committees.
(C) CLERK. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to keep an accurate record of the proceedings of THE ASSOCIATION,
serve as Secretary of the Executive Committee, furnish churches Annual Church Reports for making reports to THE
ASSOCIATION, and direct the printing and distribution of the Minutes of THE ASSOCIATION.
(D) ASSISTANT CLERK: It shall be the duty of the Assistant Clerk to assist the Clerk in his duties and be ready to
assume his responsibilities in an emergency. He shall serve as Assistant Secretary of the Executive Committee.
(E) TREASURER: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to supervise the receiving, proper crediting, depositing, and
paying out upon proper authorization all monies of THE ASSOCIATION. Following approved methods of accounting, the
Treasurer shall keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer shall present reports to the
Executive Committee and THE ASSOCIATION when in session. The Treasurer shall be authorized to sign checks and shall
be bonded by an amount set by the Administration Team.
(F) ASSISTANT TREASURER. It shall be the duty of the Assistant Treasurer to assist the Treasure in his duties and
be ready to assume his responsibilities in any emergency. He shall be authorized to sign checks and shall be bonded for
an amount set by the Administration Team.
(G) TEAM LEADERS: It shall be the duty of all Team Leaders to promote, direct, and organize the activities of
their team and to give reports to the Executive Committee and THE ASSOCIATION during the Fall Session.
(H) TRUSTEES: It shall be the duty of the Trustees to represent THE ASSOCIATION by the authority of THE
ASSOCIATION in acquisition and disposal of Associational property, transact on behalf of THE ASSOCIATION in acquisition
and disposal of Associational property, sign all deeds, notes, contracts, and agreements, and intervene in all suits.
ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1: PURPOSE: The purpose of the Executive Committee is to carry on the work of THE ASSOCIATION
between sessions. The Constitution and By-Laws of THE ASSOCIATION shall be the Constitution and By-Laws of the
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall place in effect all orders of THE ASSOCIATION, shall assist the
churches in the spread of the Gospel, and shall make recommendations to THE ASSOCIATION.
Section 2: MEMBERSHIP: The Executive Committee is composed of the general officers, Team Leaders, chairmen
of all standing committees, the Associational Missionary of THE ASSOCIATION, and the pastor, one associate minister,
and two lay members from each church represented in the membership in THE ASSOCIATION. The lay members shall be
elected by their churches.
Section 3: OFFICERS: The officers of the Executive Committee shall be the General Officers of THE ASSOCIATION.
Section 4: MEETINGS:
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(A) Regular Meetings: The regular meetings shall be held on the third Sunday night in the month of March of
each year at a time and place set by the Administration Team.
(B) Special Meetings: When necessary, the Chairman and the Secretary may call a special meeting of the
Executive Committee, after consulting with the Administration Team. A written notice of all special meetings of the
Executive Committee shall be sent to all members of the Executive Committee. In case of special meetings, the
purpose(s) for their meeting shall be included in the notice.
(C) Place of Meetings: The members for the Committee may hold their meetings in such place or places as the
Executive Committee may from time to time determine. However, the preferred method of selection of meeting sites is
to rotate the meetings among the churches in THE ASSOCIATION.
ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES
Section 1: AUTHORIZATION: The Order of Business Committee shall be the Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Clerk,
and Associational Missionary. The Personnel Committee shall be the Moderator, Moderator-Elect, and the Treasurer.
The Associational Council shall be the general officers, the organizational officers, and the Associational Missionary.
Other standing committees shall be such committees as THE ASSOCIATION shall deem necessary.
Section 2: ELECTION: The Nominating Committee shall nominate for election at the Spring Session all standing
committees/teams on a rotating basis and shall name the chairman of each committee/team for the coming year. The
members of these committees shall be selected from the membership of the participating churches. Except in
extraordinary circumstances, no person shall serve on more than one committee at a time.
Section 3: DUTIES: The duties of the committees/teams shall be specified in an operations manual of THE
ASSOCIATION which shall be approved by THE ASSOSCIATION or the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VIII - DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
The Holy Bible, the inspired, infallible and inerrant word of God, is the basis of our faith and the final authority
concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind. It is the sole and final source of all that we believe for
purposes of expressing the faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline of the Association and its related ministries.
We accept the BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 2000 as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention to be the
representation of our core values.
ARTICLE IX - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The Parliamentary Authority for THE ASSOCIATION shall be Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised (latest revision). The
Moderator shall appoint a Parliamentarian to serve at all meetings of THE ASSOCIATION and the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and the By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the messengers present and voting at
the Fall Session of THE ASSOCIATION. The proposed amendment shall be published to the membership of the Executive
Committee at least three (3) months prior to the Fall Session at which the vote is taken.
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BY-LAWS
1. AUTHORITY: THE ASSOCIATION shall look upon the churches as independent in all their internal affairs, and neither THE ASSOCIATION nor its Executive Committee shall exercise any ecclesiastical authority or claim any legislative or judicial powers over them. 2. FISCAL YEAR: The fiscal year of THE ASSOCIATION shall begin with the first day of January and end on the 31st day of December each calendar year. 3. ASSOCIATIONAL YEAR: The associational year on which information is to be reported from the churches shall begin on the first day of September and end on the 31st day of August of each calendar year. 4. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: The Moderator, Moderator-Elect, and Associational Missionary shall be ex-officio members of all committees and shall be notified of all committee meetings. They are without voting privileges. 5. QUORUM: A quorum for any meeting of THE ASSOCIATION, or the Executive Committee shall be those Messengers or Members present. 6. NEW OR UNUSUAL BUSINESS: In the event of unpublicized new business at a meeting of THE ASSOCIATION or the Executive Committee, any messenger or member may declare it new or unusual business and move that it be tabled until the next regular meeting. A vote of twenty percent (20%) of those present and voting may designate it as new or unusual business, and it will be tabled until it is publicized and taken off the table for discussion and vote at the next scheduled meeting. 7. ENROLLMENT OF MESSENGERS: All messengers to the various sessions shall register in accordance with the method of registration as set out in the Operations Manual and shall be enrolled as messengers to THE ASSOCIATION upon registration. 8. BOOK OF REPORTS: All reports to be made to the annual session of THE ASSOCIATION shall be in writing and reproduced in sufficient number to be distributed to the messengers upon the convening of the session. The distribution shall be in lieu of the reading of the reports. All reports to be incorporated in the Book of Reports shall be sent to the Associational office by September 15th each year. 9. POLICY ON ESTABLISHMENT OF MISSIONS AND CHURCHES: The churches represented in the membership of THE ASSOCIATION are requested to cooperate with the Missions/Church Start Team of THE ASSOCIATION in establishment of missions and churches. It is suggested that any church wishing to start a work or to relocate is asked to confer with the Missions/Church Start Team of THE ASSOCIATION as to the advisability of such action. 10. Associational Missionary: THE ASSOCIATION shall employ an Associational Missionary who shall be primarily responsible to THE ASSOCIATION. The Operations Manual shall contain a job description for the Associational Missionary.